Interactive laser amusement system

ABSTRACT

An interactive target system includes a laser station and a plurality of light activated targets. The laser station includes a light emitting device operable to fire discreet beams of light at the targets. The laser station also includes an activity-associated charging apparatus having an activity device at which a participant performs an activity. A detector which monitors performance of the activity at the activity device. A controller is operatively connected to the light emitting device to limit the number of times the light emitting device can be activated. The controller reduces the number of times the light emitting device can be activated each time the device is activated. The controller also receives a signal from the detector, and, in response to the detector signal increments the number of times the light emitting device can be activated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application Ser.No. 60/427,282 filed Nov. 18, 2002, and which is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to interactive target games, and, inparticular, a target game utilizing light activated targets which are“shot” at using light emitting (laser-type) devices which are “charged”by participants engaging in an activity.

[0004] Targeting activities in which targets are impacted are wellknown. One common form of such targeting activities involves the use ofsoft balls (i.e., hollow plastic or foam balls) or water which arepropelled at the target using a propulsion device. One such system isshown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,871 which is assigned toKoala Corporation of Denver, Colo. Systems, such as disclosed in thenoted Koala patent are enjoyed by the participants. However, suchsystems involve the use of shooting balls or water at targets or atparticipants. Even with soft balls and water, there is always thepossibility of some sort of slight injury. Further, the balls can belost and damaged, and thus must be replaced on a frequent basis. The useof water requires a complex and expensive drainage system. Additionally,the systems provided in the noted Koala patent do not provide forscoring. Hence, participants cannot compete against each other.

[0005] Targeting activities which avoid the use of such soft playarticles and water are also known. For example, there are many differentsystems in which lasers or laser-type devices (broadly, light emittingdevices) and light activated targets are used. In such systems, aparticipant shoots his/her laser at the target, which can be either astationary target, a moving target, or even a target worn by anotherplayer. However, such systems are generally not interactive, inasmuch asthey simply require that the participants “shoot” their lasers attargets (whether the targets be mounted on some type of structure or onanother participant).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Briefly stated, a laser target system of the present inventionincludes at least one laser station and at least one light activatedtarget. The laser station includes a laser (or light emitting device)and a “charging” apparatus. For the laser to be operable, the laser mustbe “charged up” by operating the “charging” apparatus, which requiresthat the participant engage in an activity. For example, and withoutlimitation, the charging system can require that the participant use ahand or foot pump, operate a crank, run in place on pressure sensitivepads, use a “stair-stepper” type machine, use a “water-pump” type pump,use a rowing machine action, run or walk on a treadmill, spin a trackball, hit popped up blocks with a mallet, jump to press buttons, copy alight or sound pattern on a display, or “feed” balls into the lightemitting device. Additionally, interactive video display units can beused to “charge” the light emitting device. Such video display unitscould require that the participant duplicate a particular pattern,answer multiple choice (or true/false) questions, or make other mentaldecisions.

[0007] When the light emitting device is charged, the participant shootsthe laser at the targets, and the targets, when “hit” by light from thelight emitting device, produces an effect. The effect can be in the formof a light display, sounds, or activation or deactivation of othertargets in the system. The system includes a controller for the targetsand for the laser stations. The system can use a single controller, or aseparate controller can be used for the targets and for the laserstations. The controller for the laser stations controls the number ofshots which may be fired from the laser in response to the operation ofthe light emitting device and the operation of the charging apparatus.

[0008] The controller includes a detector which monitors theparticipants performance of the activity at the charging apparatus, andincrements a shot counter based on the performance of the participant inthe particular activity. When the light emitting device is fired, theshot counter is decremented by a predetermined amount for each shotfired. Additionally, the shot counter can be decremented by a negativecharging activity (such as when a participant makes a mistake inperforming an activity at a charging station) or a negative gameactivity (such as when a participant hit an inactive or “out-of-bounds”target). Hence, the light emitting device will eventually run out ofshots, and will have to be “charged up” or “energized” again, by theparticipant performing the activity at the station. As noted, when theparticipant engages in the activity at the charging station associatedwith the light emitting device, the shot counter will be incremented inbased on the participant's performance of the activity, enabling thelight emitting device to be fired again. The light emitting device (orthe charging station) includes a display controlled by the controllerwhich indicates the status of the light emitting device. Such a statuscan include the number of shots remaining in the light emitting device,or some indication of the relative number of shots remaining in thelight emitting device. Such a status indicator can be by way of a videodisplay unit, lights, etc.

[0009] The controller also controls the targets and activates anddeactivate the targets. The activation and deactivation of targets canoccur in a predetermined sequence, or various targets can be activatedor deactivated when another target is hit. The targets are each providedwith a point value. The system can be programmed such that the pointvalues of the targets change in response to being hit or to othertargets being hit. Preferably, the system includes a score indicatorwhich displays the score of the participants. Such a score indicator canbe associated with the light emitting devices themselves (or theirassociated charging stations) or can be a board centrally mounted in theattraction or on a wall in the attraction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic view of a laser target system of thepresent invention;

[0011]FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic view of a second configuration of thelaser target system of the present invention incorporated into anoverall play structure;

[0012]FIG. 1C is a block diagram of the electrical components of thelaser target;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a laser station having a firstphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a laser station having a secondphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laser station having a thirdphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a laser station having a fourthphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a laser station having a fifthphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a laser station having a sixthphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a laser station having a seventhphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a laser station having a eighthphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a laser station having a ninthphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a laser station having a tenthphysical activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0023]FIGS. 12a-c show a laser station having an eleventh physicalactivity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0024]FIG. 13 shows a laser station having a twelfth physical activityfor charging a laser device of the system;

[0025]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an laser target systemincorporating the laser station of FIG. 13;

[0026]FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing showing the interconnection betweenlight emitting devices and the ball distributor of FIGS. 13 and 14;

[0027]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a laser station having a firstskill activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0028]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a laser station having a secondskill activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0029]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a laser station having a thirdskill activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0030]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a laser station having a fourthskill activity for charging a laser device of the system;

[0031]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of laser station having two chargingactivities associated with the station; and

[0032]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another laser station having twocharging activities associated with the station.

[0033] Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout theseveral figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The following detailed description illustrates the invention byway of example and not by way of limitation. This description willclearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, anddescribes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives anduses of the invention, including what we presently believe is the bestmode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangements of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

[0035] An illustrative embodiment of an interactive laser targetactivity system S of the present invention is shown diagrammatically inFIGS. 1A and 1B, and in block diagram form in FIG. 1C. The system S canbe a stand-alone system, as shown in FIG. 1A, or incorporated into alarger play area P as shown in FIG. 1B. Such a play area can includeclimbing units, slides, ball pits, tunnels, etc. The system S includes aplurality of laser stations LS and a plurality of light activatedtargets T which are positioned around a structure or area 10. Each laserstation LS includes a light emitting or laser-type device L and anassociated charging apparatus C. The light emitting devices L can be anytype of light emitting device which, upon activation, emits a beam ofcoherent light. The device L can, for example, emit a low powered laserbeam, an infra-red (IR) beam, or an equivalent type of low-poweredenergy beam which can be detected by the targets T. The laser stationsLS are positioned around the activity area. The light emitting devices Lare mounted on their respective laser stations LS so that the lightemitting devices L can be pivoted up and down and rotated. The laserstations and associated light emitting devices can be shaped andconfigured to have any desired appearance. For excitement for children,preferably, the light emitting devices have the appearance of a laserweapon, such as depicted in various figures. The targets T are alsopositioned around the area 10. Additional targets can be worn byindividual participants. As can be appreciated, the light emittingdevices are activated (for example, by pressing a button or pulling atrigger) to shoot a light beam at the targets (whether the targets be onan individual or on a wall of the activity area). When a target is“hit”, preferably there will be a response. For example there might be asound associated with the target being hit, or a light display may beactivated. The targets may be activated and deactivated in response tothe targets being hit. Hence hitting one target can result in theactivation or deactivation of other targets. As discussed below, thesystem S monitors the participants score, and thus includes a scoreboardSB (FIG. 1C). Each target is assigned a value, and the score is at leastpartially based on the value of the targets hit. In response to thetargets being hit, the score can change. Preferably, the various targetswill have different responses to being hit to provide more excitement tothe participants.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 1C, the system S includes a controller 5to which the targets T and laser stations LS are operatively connectedand controlled. Each laser station LS includes a shot counter (whichtracks or monitors the number of shots allotted to each laser station LSat a particular time). The number of shots, as described below, isincremented by operation of the charging apparatus C and decremented byoperation of the laser. Additionally, the shot counter can bedecremented by a negative event, such as hitting a deactivated or “offlimits” target, or by poor performance at the charging apparatus C, aswill be discussed below. The participant's performance or operation ofthe charging apparatus C is monitored by a sensor or detector D. Thedetector D sends a signal to the controller 5 each time a chargingactivity is performed. The detector signal will be indicative of theamount the shot counter for the laser station should be incremented (ordecremented). Additionally, the light emitting device sends a signal tothe controller 5 each time it is activated or shot. The light emittingdevice signal is indicative of the amount by which the shot counter forthe particular laser station should be decremented. The controller sendssignals to the laser station to operate light displays, video displays,etc. that are associated with the laser station LS. The targets T, asnoted above, are light activated. The targets each send a signal to thecontroller 5 when hit by an energy wave (i.e., light beam) from thelight emitting device L. The signal from the target will be indicativeof which laser station LS the beam came from. The controller includes ina memory, the point value associate with each target, and, in responseto the signal from the target, will update the score board SB toindicate the score for the particular laser station LS. Additionally, inresponse to the signal from the target, the controller 5 will activatethe target hit response—that is, it will activate a light display orspeaker associated with the target to make a visual or aural response.Alternatively, the controller can deactivate the target hit (so thatwhen hit again, no points are scored, or negative points are scored), orother targets can be activate or deactivated. Additionally, in responseto the signal from the target, the controller can change the point valueassociated with the particular target and/or change the point valueassociated with other targets of the system. If targets are activatedand deactivated by the controller 5 in response to targets being hit,the controller preferably will provide some type of visual indicationthat a target is either inactive or active (i.e., lights associated withthe target can be turned on or off, as appropriate).

[0037] One example of a light-emitting device L is shown in FIG. 2. Thelight-emitting device L of FIG. 2 has a body 2 mounted on a post 4. Atube 6 extends from the body 2, and is designed to look like the barrelof a laser weapon. The light emitting device L can include lights 7 and8 on the body and lights 9 on the post 4. The lights 8 and 9 are lightstrips, or lights contained in tubes, and actually include a pluralityof lights that are lit in a pattern or in a random order. As can beappreciated, the lights 7, 8 and 9 on the light emitting device areprovided to enhance a participant's time when playing in the play area.

[0038] The important aspect of the system is that the participants arerequired to “charge up” or “energize” the light emitting devices L byengaging in either a physical or a skill activity. There is a chargingapparatus C associated with each light emitting device L. In someinstances, as will become clear below, the charging apparatus C isadjacent the light emitting device L, in some instances, the lightemitting device is mounted on the charging apparatus, and in otherinstances, the charging apparatus is incorporated in the light emittingdevice. Each charging apparatus C requires that the participant engagein an activity, which can be either a physical activity, a skillactivity, or a mental activity. As noted above, a sensor or detector Dis provided as part of each laser station LS to monitors theparticipant's activity at the charging apparatus. The controller 5increments the shot count for the laser station LS based on theperformance of the participant at the activity of the charging apparatusC. The longer a participant engages in a particular physical activity orthe better a participant performs in a particular skill or mentalactivity, the greater the “charge” will be to the light emitting device,and the more shots the participant will be able to take. The controllercan also operate the laser station LS such that in the occurrence of anegative event (i.e., the participant makes a mistake during a chargingactivity) the shot counter is not incremented, but rather is decremented(or at least not incremented).

[0039] The controller 5 also monitors the number of shots fired by thelight emitting device. Each time a participant fires the light emittingdevice, for example, by pulling a trigger, pressing a button, etc., thelight emitting device signals the controller that a shot has been fired.The controller keeps track of the number of shots fired, and decrementsthe number of shots that can be fired from the light emitting device bya predetermined amount each time the light emitting device is fired. Theamount the by which the shot counter is decremented can vary between thevarious light emitting devices within an installation. Eventually, theparticipant will deplete the “shots” in the light emitting device by“shooting” the light emitting device, and will have to “charge up” thelight emitting device again.

[0040] The controller 5 also controls any visual display, such as thelights 7, 8, and 9, on the laser station LS. The lights (or visualdisplay) can be controlled to be flashed on and off in a predeterminedpattern or in a random fashion during “charging” of the light emittingdevice. Additionally, the controller can control the lights 7, 8 and 9to flash them in a different pattern while the light emitting device isbeing fired. Further, the lights 7, 8, and 9 can be used to indicate thenumber of “shots” left in the light emitting device. For example, whenthe light emitting device is “fully charged”, the light tube 8 can befully lit. During firing of the light emitting device, the lights in thelight tube 8 can be deactivated, and when all the lights in the lighttube are deactivated, the light emitting device will have no more shots,and must be recharged. During charging, the lights in the light tubewill again be reactivated in order to indicate the amount of “charge” inthe light emitting device L. The status of the “charge” or amount ofshots remaining in the light emitting device L can also be shown on avideo display unit (VDU). The VDU can show an absolute number of shotsremaining. Alternatively, the VDU display a gage which will show anapproximation of the number of shots remaining.

[0041]FIGS. 2-21 show a number of different alternative activities inwhich the participants engage at the various charging apparatus.Although the number of examples provided is fairly extensive, the listof activities is not intended to be exhaustive. The number or types ofactivities in which the participant can be required to perform arelimited only by the imagination and the ability to provide a detectorwhich can monitor the performance of the activity.

[0042]FIG. 2 shows a laser station LS with a light emitting device L andone embodiment of an associated charging apparatus C1 adjacent the lightemitting device L. The charging apparatus C1 is in the form of a handpump having a base 12 and an extendable/retractable rod 14. The rod ispulled up and pushed down by a participant. The controller 5, using thedetector D, keeps track of the number of times the rod is extended orretracted, or keeps track of the duration of pumping at the chargingapparatus C1. The detector D is incorporated in the base 12, and cancomprise, for example, a switch which is activated each time the rod 12is pushed into the base. Each time a participant pumps the charger, thecontroller will add, for example five more shots which can be fired fromthe light emitting device L. Hence, the longer the participant engagesin the pumping activity, the more shots the participant will earn.Additionally, participants can work in teams—one participant cancontinue to charge up the light emitting device L and the other can aimand shoot the light emitting device L. Then, when the chargingparticipant tires, they can switch.

[0043] A second embodiment of the charging apparatus C2 is shown in FIG.3. The charging apparatus C2 is similar to the charging apparatus C1.However, it is in the form of a foot pump, rather than a hand pump. Thecharging apparatus C2 includes a base 16 and a pedal 18 which is mountedto the base 16 at one end of the pedal, and the pedal can be movedbetween a raised and a lowered position. A rod 19 depends from thebottom of the pedal 18 near the free end of the pedal and extends intothe base 16. The rod 19, and hence the pedal 18, is spring biased to anupward position. The detector D monitors the number of times the pedalis depressed. As in the charging apparatus C1, the detector D of thecharging apparatus C2 can be a switch which is activated each time rod19 is pushed into the base. Alternatively, the rod 19 can be replacedwith a spring on the upper surface of the base 16. In this instance, thedetector D can comprise a switch on the upper surface of the base andwhich contacted (and activated) by the foot pedal when the foot pedal isdepressed. The controller 5 monitors the number of times the foot pedalis depressed, and each time the pedal is depressed, the controllerincreases the number of shots that can be fired from the light emittingdevice by a predetermined amount. Hence, the longer the participantoperates the foot pedal 16, the greater number of shots the participantwill be able to take with the light emitting device.

[0044]FIGS. 4 and 5 show two embodiments of the charging apparatus whichutilize cranks adjacent their respective light emitting devices to“charge up” the light emitting device. The crank charging apparatus C3of FIG. 4 includes a pair of opposed crank shafts 20 mounted on apedestal or base 22. The crank shafts 20 extend from a rotatablecylinder 24 which is mounted for rotation on the pedestal by a sleeve 26housing a bearing assembly. As can be appreciated, using the crankshafts 20, the participant will rotate the cylinder 24 within the sleeve26. The detector D is housed in the pedestal 22 or sleeve 26 to monitorthe number of times the cylinder makes a complete rotation as theparticipant rotates it using the crank shafts 20. Each time the cylinder24 completes a rotation, the controller increases the number of shotsthat can be fired from the light emitting device by a predeterminedamount. The charging apparatus C3 can include lights 25 and/or 27 on thebase 22 and sleeve 26, respectively. The controller can activate thelights 25 and 27, such that they light up while the participant operatesthe cranks 20.

[0045] The crank charging apparatus C4 of FIG. 5 includes wheel or disk26 rotatably mounted on a surface 28 such as a wall near the lightemitting device L. The disk 26 is rotated by a handle 30 on the disk.The detector D is activated each time the disk makes a completerevolution; and each time the disk 25 completes a revolution, thecontroller increases the number of shots that can be fired from thelight emitting device by a predetermined amount. The disk 26 canprovided with designs which are pleasing to the eye, both when the diskis stationary and when it is being rotated.

[0046] The embodiments of the charging apparatuses shown in FIGS. 6 and7 both involve stepping activities. The charging apparatus C5 of FIG. 6includes a pair of footprints 30 on the floor adjacent the lightemitting device L. The footprints 30 include a membrane on which theuser steps, as seen in the Figure. The detector D is positioned belowthe membrane, in the form of a pressure sensitive switch, which isactivated each time the user steps on the membrane. Thus, each time theparticipant steps on the membrane, he/she activates the detector D, andthe controller increments the shot count for the laser station,increasing the number of shots that can be fired from the light emittingdevice by a predetermined amount.

[0047] The charging apparatus C6 of FIG. 7 is in the form of a stepperdevice. Unlike the charging apparatuses C1-C5, which are spaced slightlyfrom the light emitting device L, The light emitting device L is mountedon the charging apparatus C6. As seen, the light emitting device L ismounted on a post 33 which extends up from a base 34 of the chargingapparatus C6. The charging apparatus C6 includes a pair of pedals orstepper arms 32 on which the participant stands. The stepper arms 32extend from the base 34 and are mounted in the base to be pivotal aboutan axis between a raised and a lowered position. The stepper arms 32 arebiased to their raised positions. The participant can then press down onthe stepper arms 32 to simulate stair climbing, as is known. Thedetector D is positioned in the base to monitor the number of times thestepper arms 32 are pressed down (i.e., to monitor the number of stepsthe participant takes). Each time the user depresses one (or both) ofthe stepper arms, the detector D will be activated to send a signal tothe controller, and the controller will increase the number of shotsthat can be fired from the light emitting device L by a predeterminedamount.

[0048] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C7 shown in FIG. 8 is inthe form of a well pump, and includes a cantilevered arm 36 mounted in abase 38 to be pivotal about a point between the ends of the arm. A rod40 (such as a piston rod) is mounted to one end of the arm 36, and, asthe arm 36 is pivoted, the rod 40 will be raised and lowered relative tothe base 38. The detector D is positioned in the base 38 to monitor thenumber of times the rod 40 is raised and lowered (and hence, the numberof times the participant pumps the arm 36). Each time the participantpumps the arm 36, the detector will be activated to send a signal to thecontroller, and the controller will increase the number of shots thatcan be fired from the light emitting device L by a predetermined amount.

[0049] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C8 shown in FIG. 9includes a base 42. The light emitting device L is mounted on a post 43which extends up from the base 42. A pair of arms 44 extend upwardlyfrom the base on opposite sides of the light emitting device L. The arms44 are mounted in the base 42 to be pivotal about a point within thebase. The arms 44, as seen in FIG. 9, are moved back and forth, tosimulate a rowing motion (or the arm motion of cross-country skiing).The detector monitors the number of times the participant moves the arms44 back and forth. Each time the participant moves the arms 44 back andforth, the detector is activated to send a signal to the controller, andthe controller increases the number of shots that can be fired from thelight emitting device by a predetermined amount.

[0050] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C9 shown in FIG. 10 isin the form of a treadmill 48. The treadmill includes a handle 50 towhich the participant can hold while operating the treadmill 48. Thelight emitting device is mounted on a post 51 which extends up from thehandle 50. The detector D is housed within the treadmill 48 and is ofthe type that can monitor the duration the participant operates thetreadmill or the effective distance run or walked by the participant onthe treadmill. The detector is activated each time a predetermined timeinterval is met (i.e., every 10 seconds) or every time a predeterminedistance (i.e., 100 yards) is reached to send a signal to thecontroller, and the controller increases the number of shots that can betaken with the light emitting device by a predetermined amount.

[0051] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C10 shown in FIG. 11includes a ball 52 mounted in the top of a base 54 to be rotatable aboutan axis. The ball 52 can be mounted to be rotatable only about a singleaxis (in which case, the base includes an axle extending through theball—preferable on a diameter of the ball). Alternatively, the ball canbe mounted in the charging system base to be rotatable in any direction(i.e., forward and backward, side-to-side, diagonally, etc). In theinstance in which the ball is rotatable about a single axis, thedetector D monitors the number of revolutions made by the ball as theparticipant spins the ball. The detector is activated each time the ballcompletes a revolution to send a signal to the controller. Thecontroller increases the shots that can be fired from the light emittingdevice L by a predetermined number of shots for each revolution (or setof revolutions) of the ball 52. In the instance where the ball 52 can berotated in any direction, the detector can monitor the effectivedistance the ball is rolled, and controller increases the number ofshots that can be fired from the light emitting device L based on theeffective distance the can be earned based on the ball 52 is rolled.

[0052] The embodiments of the charging apparatuses C11 and C12 shown inFIGS. 12A-C and 13 show charging apparatus in which balls enter or passthrough the light emitting device L. Unlike the charging apparatusesC1-C10 which were separate from the light emitting devices, the chargingapparatuses C11 and C12 are incorporated into light emitting devices L.In FIGS. 12A-C, the charging apparatus C11 includes a body 54 having aclear tube 56 which communicates with a cavity 58 in the light emittingdevice body 54. The tube 56 and cavity 58 are both sized to hold balls60. The body 54 preferably has windows 62 so that the balls in thecavity can be seen. Additionally, the charging system C11 includes alever 64 moveable between a forward position (as in FIG. 12A) and arearward position (as in FIG. 12B). When the lever 64 is pulled from itsforward to its rearward position, a ball 60 is moved from the cavity 58to the tube 56. The detector D is mounted in the body 54, and can beactivated either by the pulling of the lever 64 rearwardly, or by theball 60 passing over the detector. Each time the detector is activated,it sends a signal to the controller, and the controller 5 increments theshot counter for the light emitting device with a predetermined numberof shots.

[0053] When the lever 64 is pulled back, the detector signals to thecontroller that the lever 64 has been pulled, and the controlleractivates a mechanical moving system within the body 54 which moves theball 60 from the cavity 58 to the tube when the lever is pulled. Themechanical moving system which moves the balls 60 between the cavity 58and the tube 56 can be any number of desired systems. For example, itcan include a paddle wheel positioned at the junction between the cavityand tube. The paddle wheel is moved by a reversible stepper motor whichrotates the paddle wheel. Thus, when the lever 64 is pulled the steppermotor is activate to rotate the paddle wheel incrementally to move aball 60 from the cavity 58 to the tube 58. Conversely, when the lightemitting device is activated (i.e., fired) a predetermined number oftime, the stepper motor is activated in the opposite direction to rotatepaddle wheel incrementally to move a ball 60 from the tube 58 to thecavity 58. Other moving mechanisms can include solenoid actuated rods.The rods would be activated in response to pulling of the lever to movea ball 60 from the cavity 58 to the tube 58 and in response toactivation of the light emitting device to move a ball 60 from the tube58 to the cavity 58. This would include two actuators, one to move ballsfrom the tube to the cavity and a second to move the balls from thecavity to the tube.

[0054] FIGS. 12A-C demonstrate the operation of the light emittingdevice with the charging apparatus C11. Initially, the light emittingdevice is shown in FIG. 12A in a discharged state, with all the balls 60in the cavity 58. The participant charges the light emitting device bypulling the lever 64. Each time the lever is pulled one of the balls ismoved from the cavity 58 into the tube 60, and the light emitting deviceis charged with a predetermined number of shots (i.e., five) for eachball moved from the cavity to the tube. In FIG. 12B, the light emittingdevice is shown with all the balls in the tube. As the user fires thelight emitting device, the balls drop back from the tube to the cavity,as seen in FIG. 12C. Thus, for example, if each ball is worth fiveshots, for each five shots taken, a ball passes back into the cavity.The controller monitors the number of shots taken so that the ballmoving system is activated at the proper times to move balls from thetube to the cavity. When all the balls are returned to the cavity, thelight emitting device will be “fully discharged” and at least some ofthe balls will have to be moved back into the tube 56 by operation ofthe lever 64 before the light emitting device can be fired again. As canbe appreciated, the charging apparatus C11 is fully contained. The ballsare visible, but they are not removed from the light emitting device L.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment to the laser station of FIGS. 12a-c,the balls could be loose, and could be introduced into the cavity by theparticipant. In this instance, the light emitting device L would beprovided with a loading mechanism. For example, it could include abreach loader which is opened by moving the lever 64 forward. Theparticipant could then place a ball in the loader, and, by pulling thelever 64 rearwardly, close the loader and activate the ball movingsystem to move the ball into the tube 56. Conversely, when the lightemitting device is activated, the ball moving system can expel the ballsfrom the light emitting device through, for example, a port in thebottom of the body 54.

[0056] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C12 shown in FIG. 13 issimilar to the charging apparatus C11 of FIG. 12. However, rather thanfeeding balls into a cavity within the body of the light emitting deviceL, balls 60 are passed through the body 68 of the light emitting deviceL. The charging apparatus C12 includes a clear entry tube 66 a and anclear exit tube 66 b which enter and exits the body 68 of the lightemitting device L. The tube on the entry side is maintained with balls.The body 68 includes a lever 70 which is moveable between a forwardposition and a rearward position. When the lever 70 is moved from itsnormally forward position, to the rearward position, it enables a ballto pass through the body 68 from the entry tube 66 a to the exit tube 66b. As with the charging system C11, the detector D of the chargingsystem C12 can be activated either by the ball 60 passing over thedetector, or by the action of pulling the lever 70 back. Each time thedetector D is activated, the detector sends a signal to the controllerto increase the number of shots that can be fired from the lightemitting device L by a predetermined number (i.e., five) of shots. Thelight emitting device L can include a charge indicator 72 which can bein the form of lights, a dial, a bar graph, video display unit, etc.which will give some indication of either the number of shots that canbe taken with the light emitting device, or the extent of the charge(i.e., fully charged) so that the participant can determine if he/shehas a lot or only a few shots left before the lever will again have tobe operated to further charge the light emitting device.

[0057]FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a laser target system S comprisedof several laser stations LS each of which incorporates the chargingapparatus C12. The system is shown in FIG. 15 is block diagram form. Thesystem S also includes a ball distributor 74 (FIG. 14) which isoperatively connected to all the light emitting devices incorporatingthe charging system C12 by means of ball transport tubes 66 a,b. Thelaser station exit tube 66 b is directed to a main ball hopper 80 intowhich the balls 60 are deposited. Preferably, the tubes 66 b eachinclude a funnel or discharge end 82 spaced slightly from the hopper 80,and the balls 60 are forced from the discharge end 82 of the deliverytube 78 and into the ball hopper 80. The ball hopper 80, in turn, is incommunication with the entry tubes 66 a to deliver the balls back to thelaser station LS. In a preferred embodiment, the ball transport tubes 66a,b are all clear and positioned in the activity room to be visible.This will allow participants to view the balls 60 passing through thetubes as they are moved between the ball distributor and the associatedlight emitting devices. The balls 60 are forced through the balltransport tubes either by means of positive pressure or by vacuum.Preferably, the system includes a blower B (FIG. 15) which creates apositive pressure in the ball transport tubes that communicate with theinput tubes 66 a of the associated light emitting devices. Additionally,the system can include pumps P which create a vacuum in the exit tube 66b at the light emitting devices L to pull the ball away from the lightemitting device, and which introduces a positive pressure which willmove the balls to the ball distributor. This is shown schematically inFIG. 15. In operation, when the lever 70 is pulled, a port within thebody 68 is opened, and the positive pressure in the delivery or entrytube 66 a and the vacuum in the exit tube 66 b pushes and pulls on theball 60 to move the ball through the body 68 from the entry tube 66 a tothe exit tube 66 b.

[0058] The embodiments of the charging systems noted above require theparticipant to engage in a physical activity, such as pumping, stepping,cranking, rowing, walking or running, and lever pulling. These chargingsystems all award fast action. That is, the faster the particularactivity is performed, the quicker the light emitting device will becharged. Additionally, fast action will allow for greater charging ofthe light emitting device in a shorter period of time. The followingactivities are all skill activities. In those activities, theparticipants are awarded for their performance (i.e., how well theyperform the various activities). While fast action may enable quickercharging of the light emitting device in these following activities,this faster charging will only be coupled with proper performance. Thus,if an activity is not properly performed, the participant will not earnany shots for his/her light emitting device.

[0059] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C13 shown in FIG. 16includes a base 90 adjacent a light emitting device L. A plurality ofpegs 92 are mounted in the top surface of the base for reciprocal motionbetween a raised and a lowered position. The pegs 92 are, for example,operatively connected to solenoids—there being a solenoid for each peg92. The solenoids are operated by the controller to raise the pegs fromthe lowered position to their raised position in a predetermined orrandom manner. The participant then uses a mallet 94 to hammer theraised pegs 92 to their lowered position. The detector D is activatedwhen the pegs 92 are lowered by the participant hitting them with themallet 94. As the pegs are lowered, and as the detector D is activated,as described below, the controller increases the number of shots thatcan be taken with the light emitting device L. In one version, thesolenoids can raise the pegs one at a time, and a new peg is not raiseduntil a currently raised peg is lowered. In this case, each time a pegreturned to the lowered position, the controller increments the numberof shots that can be taken at the associated light emitting device. Thischarging system awards the participant's speed in hitting the pegs backto their lowered position. In another version, the several of the pegsare raised in a particular order, and the participant must then lowerthe pegs in the same order in which they were raised. In this instance,the controller increments the number of shots that can be taken for eachpeg that is returned to its lowered position in the correct order.Hence, if five pegs were raised in a certain order, and the participantreturned three of the five pegs in the proper order, the controllerwould only increment the shot count for those three pegs. The shot countwould not be incremented for the two pegs hit in the incorrect order.Additionally, a buzzer could be sounded when a peg is hit out of order.Further, the participant could be penalized shots (i.e., the shotcounter could be decremented by a predetermined about) or his/her scorecould be reduced if a peg is hit out of order. The number of shotsawarded can vary with the complexity of the pattern. For example, if thepattern included three pegs, the participant may be awarded two shotsfor each peg correctly returned to the lowered position. However, if thepattern included five pegs, the participant my be awarded five shots foreach peg correctly returned to the lowered position.

[0060] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C14 shown in FIG. 17involves jumping. The system C17 includes a plurality of buttons 100 a-ewhich are positioned on a wall or panel 101, preferably in a verticalrow. Further, the buttons 100 a-e vary in size, with the lowest button100 a being the largest and the top button 100 e being the smallest. Thesystem C14 requires that the participant press the buttons. Each time abutton is pressed, the detector D will be activated, and the controllerwill increment the shot count for the light emitting device with apredetermined number of shots. Preferably, the higher and smallerbuttons have greater values. Thus, if the participant presses the button100 e, the controller will increment the shot count with more shots thanif the participant presses the button 100 a. The number of shots theunit is incremented by increases with each button. Hence, for example,button 100 a may be worth one shot, button 100 b may be worth two shots,button 100 c may be worth three shots, button 100 d may be worth 4shots, and button 100 e may be worth five shots. The value of thebuttons 100 a-e can be varied as desired. Further, there can be more (orfewer buttons) and the buttons can be arranged diagonally orhorizontally. However, a horizontal arrangement will make hitting thesmaller buttons significantly easier, depending on the height of thebuttons relative to the participant.

[0061] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C15 shown in FIG. 18includes a body or base 110 having a upper surface 112 which is shown tobe sloped. A plurality of colored buttons 114 are provided in the topsurface. The buttons 114, in combination, form a circle. The buttons 114could, in combination, form any other desired shape. The buttons 114 areeach a different color, and each button includes a light, so that thebuttons can be lit up. The lights of the individual buttons areoperatively connected to the controller 5 which lights the buttons in arandom order. The participant then has to press the buttons 114 in thesame order in which they were lighted. The pressing of the buttons 114activates the detector D. In this instance, the detector D wouldactually comprise a plurality of switches, there being a switch for eachof the buttons 114. The controller monitors the order in which thebuttons are pressed based on the output from the detector, and comparesthe order in which the participant presses the buttons to the order inwhich the buttons were lit. The controller increments the shot count forthe associated light emitting device L with a predetermined number ofshots for each button pressed in the correct order. The participant isnotified if he/she presses a button out of order. For example, a buzzercan be sounded, or the lights of all the buttons can flash, or all thebutton lights can be extinguished. Further, the participant could bepenalized shots (i.e., the shot counter could be decremented by apredetermined about) or his/her score could be reduced if a peg is hitout of order. After a participant completes a pattern (whether correctlyor incorrectly) the charging apparatus C15 will then provide a newpattern for the participant to try and copy. The number of shots theshot counter of the light emitting device is incremented by can varywith the complexity of the pattern. For example, if the pattern includesthree buttons, the shot counter can be increased by two shots for eachbutton correctly pressed. However, if the pattern included five buttons(which, in the FIG. would require pressing one of the buttons twice),the shot counter could be incremented by five shots for each buttoncorrectly pressed. Additionally, different sounds can be associated witheach button. Hence, when the buttons are lit in a certain pattern (andpressed in the same pattern) the buttons will produce a sound pattern,which could mimic a melody.

[0062] The embodiment of the charging apparatus C16 shown in FIG. 19 issubstantially similar to the charging apparatus C15 of FIG. 18. However,rather than having flat buttons formed in a circular patterns, thebuttons 114′ are in the form of a semicircle and are raised relative tothe surface 112′ of the base 110′.

[0063] The embodiment of the laser station LS shown in FIG. 20 includestwo additional embodiments of the charging apparatus, C17 and C17′, bothof which are in the form of steering wheels 120 which are spun orrotated by a participant. The detector of the charging apparatus isactivated to send a signal to the controller to increase the shot counteach time one of the steering wheels 120 completes a revolution. Asseen, the two steering wheels 120 are close together. Hence, aparticipant can spin both steering wheels at once to more quicklyincrease the shout count for the laser station. The base or console 122of the laser station is shown in more detail. Near its top, the laserstation control includes a video display 124, a speaker 126, and a setof buttons 128. The video display 124 can display the participant'sscore achieved in shooting at targets, as will be explained below. Itcan also display the number of shots that can be fired with the lightemitting device L before it needs to be “recharged” or “energized”. Thevideo display 122 can also be operated, when in an idle mode (i.e., notin use) to display high scores and/or animation or other types of visualdisplays to attract participants. The speaker 126 can be used tobroadcast instructions or play music when the laser station is in anidle mode. When the laser station is in use, the speaker can be used toplay sound effects produced when various of the targets T are hit. Thebuttons 128 can be provided as another charging apparatus.Alternatively, they can simply be buttons that are lit up to produce avisual display. Below the video display 124, the console 120 includes acoin acceptor 130. As is common, the participant will deposit coins of apredetermined amount (i.e. 50¢) to initiate use of the laser station LS.A ticket dispenser 132 can also be provided to dispense tickets 134. Thenumber of tickets dispensed from the ticket dispenser would be basedupon the score the participant achieved during use of the laser stationLS.

[0064] The embodiment of the laser station LS in FIG. 21 is shown toinclude two different types of charging apparatuses. It includes thecharging apparatus C7′ which is similar to, and operates insubstantially the same way as, the charging apparatus C7 (FIG. 8). Italso includes the charging apparatus C12 (FIG. 13) which passes balls 60through the body of the light emitting device L. The laser station LSalso includes a console 122 as described just above.

[0065] In operation, when one of the laser stations LS of the system isnot in use, the laser station is in idle mode. While one laser stationis in idle mode, other laser stations of the system can be in use. Thelaser station is placed in idle mode after a predetermined period ofnon-use of one of the light emitting devices. As noted above, the lightemitting device and the charging apparatus both send signals to thecontroller. The controller monitors the time between signals from thelight emitting device and the charging apparatus. If the controller hasnot received a signal, for example, for one minute, from either thecontroller or the charging apparatus, the controller will sense the lackof activity, and launch the particular laser station into an idleroutine. While in the idle routine, daily high scores can be displayed.Additionally, animations and video can be displayed on the video displayand music and sounds can be played over the speaker. The purpose of thisphase is to induce players to participate and educate potentialparticipants as to the game play concepts and celebrate previous playerssuccess.

[0066] The participant activates the laser station, for example, bydepositing coins in the coin acceptor 130. Alternatively, if coins arenot required, the laser station can be activated (i.e. launched into agame playing mode) simply by operation of either the light emittingdevice L or the charging apparatus C. During play (i.e., when aparticipant operates one of the light emitting devices) the laserstation will launch into a game mode, and continue in that mode untilthe participant either stops using the device, or the allotted time foruse of the device expires. During the game mode, the controller willactivate the targets, determine which targets are hit by the particularplayer, and keep track of the players score, based on the score value ofeach target hit. The controller can also keep track of the number ofshots fired and/or the number of shots with which the light emittingdevice is charged. In this way, the device can also display a relativescore-to-shot ratio.

[0067] The embodiments of the laser station shown in FIGS. 2-19 includeonly one charging apparatus. The embodiments of the laser station shownin FIGS. 20 and 21, on the other hand have multiple charging apparatusesfor a single light emitting device. The use of multiple chargingapparatuses allows participants to help keep a light emitting devicecharged and to improve their collective score. Each charging apparatusassociated with the light emitting device can have a weighted orhandicap valuation which drives the level of shot activations applicableto the specific type of work an activity generates.

[0068] The scoring of performance at the charging apparatus can beseparated from the scoring of shooting. For the scoring of the chargingapparatus, the charging activity is logged and scored against time. Forexample, with respect to the charging apparatus C1 (FIG. 2), thecontroller determines the number of times the pump handle was extendedand retracted and the time in which it took to accomplish this toproduce a time weighted score. Alternatively, a raw charging score,which corresponds to the number of times the charging apparatus waspumped (with reference to FIG. 2), can be displayed. The chargingactivity score is then viewed by participants both in isolation as a“loading score” for the particular laser station, and integrated withscore of the associated light emitting device.

[0069] The light emitting devices (or shooters) receive a score basedupon their successful hitting of targets which yield a positive result.The score can be based on time if desired (i.e., X points in Y minutes).Some targets yield negative events and reduce a participant's score. Thelight emitter's (or shooter's) score is viewed by participants both inisolation as a “blaster” or “shooter” score and integrated with thescore from the associated charging apparatus.

[0070] The score at the charging apparatus and light emitting devices(i.e., the loading score and the blaster score) can also be combined toproduce a collective or team score. The allows for a group ofparticipants to compete with another group of participants over a periodof time. In this case, the group would comprise a participant whooperates a light emitting device L of the laser station, and aparticipant who operates the charging apparatus at the same laserstation. In the case of a solo participant operating both the chargingapparatus and the light emitter, the solo participant would receive acollective score.

[0071] Lastly, the targets are in communication with the controller, andcan be sequenced on and off with illuminated patterns and specialeffects to denote the relative value and/or penalty when shot by a lightemitting device. When hit, the targets can generate a light effect, asound effect, or trigger special effects to denote success or failure.In addition, the targets send a signal to the controller to increase the“blaster” score for the particular laser station which hit the targetand the respective team working at the device. Further, hitting targetsin an incorrect order or those deemed negative by way of color, pattern,or the like, can cause the light emitting device to loose some or all ofits current shots, thereby causing the participants of that specificlight emitting device to work harder. Alternatively, hitting targets inan incorrect order to those deemed negative can result in a negativescoring event—in that the blaster score for the particular laser stationwill be reduced by a predetermined amount.

[0072] As various changes could be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. For example, although the charging systems C1-C12 aredescribed to monitor the number of times an activity (such as pumping,stepping, etc.) is performed, the controller, using the detector D,could instead monitor the duration the activity is engaged in by theparticipant. Although the system is described generally that the shotcounter is incremented a predetermined amount each time the laserstation detector is activated, the shot counter could instead beincremented, for example, for every five activations of the detector.This may be used, for example, in the charging apparatus which involvesimple activities, such as the rotation of a wheel. These examples aremerely illustrative.

1. A laser station for an interactive target system; the laser stationcomprising: a controller, and a laser station, said laser stationcomprising a light emitting device and a charging apparatus; the lightemitting device being operable to fire discreet beams of energy at saidtargets; the light emitting device sending a signal to the controllereach time the light emitting device is activated to fire a beam ofenergy; the charging apparatus including an activity device which isoperable by a participant and a detector which is activated as theparticipant operates the activity device; said detector sending a signalto the controller each time the detector is activated; said controllerdetermining the number of shots which can be fired from the lightemitting device based upon the signals from the light emitting deviceand from the charging apparatus.
 2. The improvement of claim 1 whereinsaid activity is selected from a physical activity, a skill activity,and combinations thereof.
 3. The improvement of claim 2 wherein saidactivity is a pumping activity.
 4. The improvement of claim 3 whereinsaid pumping activity is a hand pumping activity.
 5. The improvement ofclaim 3 wherein said pumping activity is a foot pumping activity.
 6. Theimprovement of claim 2 wherein said activity is a stepping activity. 7.The improvement of claim 6 wherein said activity is stair steppingactivity.
 8. The improvement of claim 2 wherein said activity is acranking activity.
 9. The improvement of claim 2 wherein said activityis a walking or running activity.
 10. The improvement of claim 2 whereinsaid activity involve passing balls through and/or into said lightemitting device.
 11. The improvement of claim of claim 2 wherein saidcharging system activates a plurality of elements in a random order;said activity involving pressing said elements in the same order inwhich they were activated.
 12. The improvement of claim 11 wherein saidelements comprise pegs which are raised, said activity comprisinglowering said pegs in the same order in which they were raised.
 13. Theimprovement of claim 11 wherein said elements comprise lighted buttons;said activity comprising pressing said buttons in the same order inwhich they were lit.
 14. The improvement of claim 2 wherein saidcharging system comprises a plurality of buttons of varying size; saidactivity comprising pressing said buttons.
 15. The improvement of claim14 wherein said buttons are arranged in a generally vertical pattern,with a largest of the buttons being the lowest button and the smallestof the buttons being the highest button.
 16. An amusement systemcomprising: a plurality of light activated targets a laser stationincluding a light emitting device and an activity-associated chargingapparatus at which a participant can perform an activity; the lightemitting device being operable when to fire beams of energy at saidtargets, said light emitting device generating a signal each time it isfired; the charging apparatus including a detector which monitorsperformance of the activity at said activity station; and a controller;said controller being operatively connected to said light emittingdevice to limit the number of times the light emitting device can beactivated, the controller receiving said signals from said lightemitting device and said charging apparatus and, in response to saidsignals, controlling the number of times the light emitting device canbe activated.
 17. A method of controlling a simulated laser-targetattraction; the attraction comprising a plurality of light activatedtargets and a laser station; the laser station comprising a lightemitting device and an charging apparatus; the light emitting devicebeing operable by a participant to fire a beam of energy at the targets;the charging apparatus being operated by a participant by engaging in anactivity; the charging apparatus, when operated, increasing the numberof shots which can be fired from light emitting device; the methodcomprising: monitoring the number of shots which can be fired from thelight emitting device, and preventing firing of the light emittingdevice if the number of shots which can be fired is zero; increasing thenumber of shots which can be fired by the light emitting device by apredetermined amount upon successful completion of the activity or uponsuccessful completion of a predetermined number of iterations of theactivity by the participant at the charging apparatus; decreasing thenumber of shots which can be fired by the light emitting device eachtime the light emitting device is fired; detecting when the target ishit by a light beam from the light emitting device; and initiating atarget-hit response each time a target is hit.
 18. The method of claim17 wherein said target-hit response includes is selected from visualeffects, sound effects, activation of deactivated targets, deactivationof activated targets, and combinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim18 including a step of determining a score for the participant orparticipants at the laser station.
 20. The method of claim 19 whereineach target is provided with a score value; said step of determining ascore comprising a shoot-score based upon the participant's hitting ofthe targets, the shoot-score being the sum of the score value for eachtarget hit.
 21. The method of claim 19 including a step of indicatingwhich targets are active and which targets are inactive; providing theactive targets with positive score values and the deactivated targetswith negative score values.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein the stepof determining a score comprises determining a charging-score based uponperformance of the activity at the charging apparatus.
 23. The method ofclaim 22 wherein said activity is selected from a physical activity, askill activity, and combinations thereof; said charging score beingbased upon the number of iterations of the physical or skill activityperformed in a predetermined time, the time taken to complete the skillactivity, or upon successful completion of a skill activity.
 24. Themethod of claim 22 wherein said charging score is decremented if theskill activity is completed incorrectly.
 25. The method of claim 23including a step of decrementing the number of shots which can be firedfrom the light emitting device by a predetermined amount upon incorrectcompletion of a skill activity.